International Assistance: requests for the property until 2004

Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2004

The Centre received a report from the State Party dated 23 December 2003. IUCN reviewed the State Party’s report on this site, which affirms that Parks Canada and the Deh Cho First Nations have completed their work on a new management plan for Nahanni National Park Reserve. This document is now being submitted for approval by the Minister of the Environment who is responsible for Parks Canada.

With regard to the mine proposal by Canadian Zinc Corporation at Prairie Creek, the report notes that an Environmental Assessment was completed concerning a proposed pilot plant and new underground decline in June of 2003. In September 2003 a water licence was granted by the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB). Conditions of the water licence did not fully address key mitigation measures required in the environmental assessment, including certain protective measures related to a tailings pond and consideration of the feasibility of the site proposed for a polishing pond. The requirement to develop objectives for water quality monitoring with Parks Canada was also excluded. The Deh Cho First Nations asked for a judicial review of this matter and as a result, it is now before the courts. The report notes that until this matter is settled, the project will be on hold.

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2004

Adopted

Draft Decision

28 COM 15B.24

Nahanni National Park

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Acknowledging progress achieved in the conservation of the property, in particular the development of the new management plan for the property, submitted for approval,

2. Requests the State Party to keep the World Heritage Centre informed on the court’s decision on the judicial review on the water licence granted to Canadian Zinc Corporation at Prairie Creek.

* :
The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).